Prince William and Miss Middleton Select PeacePlayers International - Northern Ireland as One of 26 Charity Wedding Gift Recipients

BELFAST, Northern Ireland, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have set up a charitable gift fund for those who may very generously wish to donate to charity to help the couple celebrate their April wedding. Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund.

PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland (PPI – NI) is delighted to be chosen as one of the charity recipients of the fund. PPI – NI is the Belfast-based branch of PeacePlayers International (PPI), a global nonprofit organization that uses the game of basketball to unite and educate young people in divided communities.  Since its founding in 2001, PPI has reached over 52,000 individuals worldwide.

PPI-NI works with Protestant and Catholic young people, ages 8 to 25, to challenge sectarianism and promote mutual respect. Young people in disadvantaged and interface neighborhoods are provided a range of integrated sports activities, peace education and leadership development opportunities, and a chance to forge friendships that transcend the region's historical divide. PPI-NI has reached over 10,000 children since its founding in 2002.

During their first ever visit to Belfast on 8 March, Prince William and Miss Middleton met representatives of PPI-NI.

"We are flattered that the work of PPI-NI and the role of sport in conflict transformation are being recognized in such a highly visible manner," said Trevor Ringland, PPI-NI Board Chairman. "Our programmes have an indelible impact in critical regions in our country and around the world.  The children participating in PPI are developing deep and lasting friendships with people with very different backgrounds from their own; they are the building blocks of peace for our future."

PPI Executive Director Brendan Tuohey said, "Prince William and Miss Middleton's honouring of charities as a part of their wedding celebration exemplifies the desire of young leaders to make a positive impact.  PeacePlayers International believes that the power of change lies with young people. We are grateful for the Royal couple's belief in PeacePlayers International to make the world a better place."

Wedding gifts may be given by visiting www.royalweddingcharityfund.org, via text messaging to 70294, and via telephone by calling 0300 123 2904.

About PeacePlayers International: PeacePlayers International (PPI) was founded in Washington, DC, in 2001 by brothers Sean and Brendan Tuohey on the premise that "children who play together can learn to live together." Through a groundbreaking peacebuilding-and-leadership development curriculum, PeacePlayers International uses basketball to bring children together and teach them proven tactics for improving their communities. PeacePlayers International currently operates year-round programs in South Africa, Northern Ireland, Israel and the West Bank and Cyprus. Major partners include Laureus Sport for Good, adidas and Arbinger Institute. For more information, please visit www.peaceplayersintl.org.

SOURCE PeacePlayers International